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Who We Are

The Minnesota SCA Survivor Network is a non-profit, grassroots organization whose mission is to support SCA survivors and their families, advocate for community access to AEDs and educate people about SCA and early defibrillation.

Formed in November 2003, the Network is affiliated with the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, a national organization whose mission is to prevent loss of life from Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

For additional information visit http://www.mnscasurvivor.org/about.htm

GOAL 1: Increase public awareness of SCA and the Take Heart initiatives

Strategies
Offer the services of an SCA Speakers Bureau to other organizations.

Tactics

1. Create customized presentations for specific needs, such as police departments, school boards, and community groups.
2. Develop and distribute an SCA Speakers Bureau Brochure.
3. Participate in public education events and health fairs.
4. Review local and regional opportunities and prioritize events for participation.
5. Create Public Service Announcements and/or programs and distribute to media outlets including free access and local cable channels.
6. Institute a program for recognizing SCA rescuers and publicizing saves.

GOAL 2: Increase placement of AEDs in our communities.

Strategies
Assist in CPR bystander training, AED distribution, ResQPod training and advocacy of cooling protocol.

Tactics

1. Conduct a survey to assess their current experience with, and feelings about CPR bystander training and AED programs.
2. Work with policymakers to support the four Take Heart initiatives.
3. Actively work with legislators and decision makers on the following key legislation goals:
4. CPR/AED training required in all high schools.
5. AEDs to be carried by all first responder vehicles
6. AEDs to be placed in all high schools.
7. AEDs placed in all public gathering sites.

MISSION

To prevent the loss of life from Sudden Cardiac Arrest through implementation of the four Take Heart St. Cloud initiatives to provide SCA advocacy and awareness; to provide support to people affected by SCA.

VALUES

FRIENDSHIP
We believe that people who have survived SCA can find comfort, encouragement, and motivation from getting to know others who have had the same experience.

COMPASSION
We are passionately committed to serving the needs of all people who have experienced SCA or have the potential to become victims of SCA, and their loved ones.

COLLABORATION
We believe that we can be most effective by having survivors and ambassadors work side-by-side. We also seek meaningful and productive partnerships with other organizations.

EMPOWERMENT
We believe that networking and shared awareness of advocacy work empowers survivors to tell their stories and educate others about SCA and the need for better prevention and treatment.

RESPONSIBILITY
We will strive to create plans that are quantifiable and measurable, and we will frequently and openly share our progress with our members and stakeholders.

VISION
To live in a world where:

1. all people recognize SCA, know how to respond, and have access to appropriate and effective care
2. emergency medical services and in-hospital medical care is available in a timely and integrated manner and
3. all survivors of SCA get the support they need and encouragement to become advocates for the cause.

Click here to learn about our goals and the strategies and tactics we are taking to accomplish those goals.

Keith Lurie, MD
Staff Cardiologist, Electrophysiologist  

St. Cloud Hospital – Central Minnesota Heart Center
Professor of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota and
Chief Medical Officer, Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
klurie@advancedcirculatory.com

Susie Osaki Holm, MPH
Program Manager
Take Heart St. Cloud
St. Cloud Hospital – Central MN Heart Center
1406 Sixth Avenue North
St. Cloud, MN 56303-9967
320.251.2700, extension 54174
OsakiHolmS@CentraCare.com

Joe Hellie, MHA
Director of Ambulatory/Emergency Services
St. Cloud Hospital
320.255.5699
helliej@centracare.com

Jeff Kalla, NREMT-P
Captain
Mayo Medical Transport – Gold Cross Ambulance
320.229.3632
kalla.jeffrey@mayo.edu

Tom Travaglio, NREMT-P
Director of Operations
Mayo Medical Transport – Gold Cross Ambulance
320.229.3625
travaglio.thomas@mayo.edu

Robert Kempenich, SCA Survivor
President – Take Heart St. Cloud SCA Survivor’s Network
Little Falls, MN
320.259.6493
kemp-m-b@q.com

Robert G. Johnson, MPH
Executive Director
Central Minnesota Heart Center – St. Cloud Hospital
320.656.7050
johnsonb@centracare.com